MEMBER SPOTLIGHT –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– often), we utilize that time for our staff to take some of the mod- ules offered. It quickly turns the negative impact of down or dry- ing time to a positive opportunity to increase comprehension and know-how. Our new hires take several modules before stepping foot onsite. This really changes the learning curve once they are in the field.” Chanel and Jamen are both NTCA Washington State ambas- sadors as well, and find it as use- ful for their own business as for the other industry contacts with whom they interact. “Being able to reach out to other State Ambassadors – as well as our Regional Director Dirk Sullivan of Hawthorne Tile – has been very helpful,” Jamen said. “Whether it’s bidding/contract information or general business questions, they are always available to offer direc- tion. “Utilizing the NTCA as the resource that it is holds count- less benefits and opportunities,” Jamen added. “We used to rely on our portfolio to sell jobs. Now we’re able to showcase our talent along with providing knowledge of proper installation methods and products as well as selling who we are as a business in our industry. This has been key. Many custom- ers have shared their appreciation for hiring us due to these aspects.” Before joining NTCA, Jamen and Chanel never made it to a trade show. But in recent years, they’ve attended Total Solutions Plus, Surfaces/TISE West and Coverings. “These shows have given us a much different take on our busi- ness and our industry,” Jamen said. “Meeting up with amazing talents and business owners from all over the country is both humbling and inspiring.” NTCA staff and members have mentored and encouraged Jamen and Chanel to their next steps. “Erin Albrecht from J&R Tile in San Antonio has been strongly encour- aging us to get our team signed up for the Certified Tile Installer exam,” Jamen said. “This will hap- pen this year and we hope to qualify next year to be a NTCA Five Star-rated company. Amber Fox has kept in good communication with us on this topic. “We joined the NTCA to help further our installation knowl- edge,” Jamen concluded. “We feel we’ve gotten this and have joined a strong team and movement.” It’s worth noting that as dedicat- ed as the team is to proper installa- tion and ongoing installation, they employ best practices with their workers as well. “The hardest part of leadership is knowing when to listen,” said Jon Dille, Icon craftsman. “Sometimes you aren’t the best at something on site, or may not have all the infor- mation. At Icon Tile, communica- tion is key. We stay connected with each other and the project manag- 46 TileLetter | August 2017